Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-16

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

• describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly
• explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours
• suggest what should be done about the problem

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 7.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to inform you about the problem my neighbours and I are facing because the rubbish collection system has not been working properly for the last couple of weeks.

Usually in my area, garbage is collected twice a week, but for the last few weeks, collections have been delayed or missed. As a result, the rubbish bins have been staying outside for several days.

This situation causes many problems in my area. Firstly, the rubbish is creating bad smells, especially during warm weather. Secondly, there are many flies and bacteria around the garbage bins; this causes many diseases among local people.

I would kindly request the council to investigate this matter seriously to overcome this problem. I also suggest that the council do regular garbage collection to reduce such diseases, which cause many problem amound local area. Lastly, the council should provide residents with a contact number where people can report if garbage is not collected regularly.

I am looking forward to seeing how my suggestions translate into prompt actions from your side. Your kind cooperation would be truly appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Kevin Gohil

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully satisfies all requirements of the prompt. You successfully covered all three bullet points: you described how the rubbish collection system is not working properly by explaining that collections have been delayed or missed, you detailed the impacts on you and your neighbours such as bad smells and health issues like flies and bacteria, and you suggested practical solutions including regular collections and a contact number for residents. The tone is appropriately formal and polite for a letter to a local council, maintaining a clear purpose throughout. The ideas are relevant and well-developed, resulting in a strong band score for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

Your letter shows a clear and logical organisation from the opening statement to the closing remarks. The text is divided into appropriate paragraphs, each serving a distinct function such as introducing the issue, describing the effects, and offering solutions. Cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'I also suggest' are used effectively to guide the reader through your arguments. However, referencing and transitions could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the higher bands. Overall, the message flows smoothly and the progression of ideas is easy to follow, making this a solid performance in coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to communicate your message with flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'investigate this matter seriously', 'prompt actions', and 'kind cooperation' are appropriate for a formal complaint letter. You also successfully use less common terms like 'bacteria', 'residents', and 'delayed'. There are a few minor lexical slips or awkward phrasings, such as 'cause many problem amound local area' at the end of the fourth paragraph, and the repetition of 'many problems'. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is more than adequate to convey your ideas clearly without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as conditional ideas and multi-clause sentences ('As a result, the rubbish bins have been staying outside for several days'). The majority of your sentences are grammatically sound and easy to understand. However, there are a few minor grammatical errors, such as 'cause many diseases among local people' (which sounds slightly unnatural given the context of waste accumulation) and the spelling and grammatical slip 'problem amound local area'. Punctuation is generally handled well, and your control over grammar is good enough to ensure clear communication throughout the letter.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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